Can White Collar Crime Charges Lead to Jail or Prison Time?
White collar crimes refer to financial crimes that generally involve fraud of one kind or another, and while they are nonviolent crimes, a conviction can carry either jail or prison time–depending on the severity of the charge. If you have been charged with a white collar crime, you could be looking at very serious consequences and should not wait to consult with an experienced Greenville, SC, white collar crime attorney.
Every Charge Is Specific to the Unique Circumstances Involved
Your case will be unique to your specific situation, but the fact that the charge is for a white-collar crime does not mean that jail or prison time is out of the question. While most white-collar charges in South Carolina carry the potential for jail or prison time, some minor offenses can lead to probation or to suspended sentences for first-time offenders.
There are a range of factors that determine the amount of time a conviction will carry, including:
- The Role Played by the Defendant – If the defendant is found to have masterminded the white-collar crime, the charge against them can be considerably more serious than it would have been if they had played a minor role.
- The Severity of the Criminal Offense – The total value of the funds or assets involved generally determines whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony and whether the sentence involves jail or prison time.
- The Defendant’s Criminal Record – If the defendant already has a criminal record, it can make a serious difference in the sentence they receive.
- The Degree to Which the Defendant Cooperates – The degree to which the defendant cooperates with the authorities can directly affect their sentence.
Contrary to popular belief, the fact that white collar crimes are nonviolent doesn’t mean that they are blameless or that harsh consequences don’t apply. In fact, white collar charges can be levied at both the state and federal levels.
Common Examples of White-Collar Charges
White collar charges break down into basic categories like the following:
- Embezzlement refers to the misappropriation of funds that are entrusted to the accused as a matter of their employment or some other defined role
- Fraud, which refers to the accused engaging in intentionally deceptive practices for their own financial gain
- Money laundering, which refers to using a legitimate business or financial practice to disguise or otherwise conceal the source of illegally obtained money
- Identity theft, which refers to the accused commandeering someone else’s identifying information for their own benefit
- Bribery, which refers to either receiving or offering something of value in exchange for undue influence
An Experienced Greenville White Collar Crime Lawyer Can Help
Ryan Beasley at Ryan Beasley Law is an experienced Greenville white collar crime attorney who has the legal skill, insight, and drive to help guide your case toward a favorable resolution that limits your exposure to legal consequences to the fullest extent possible. We are on your side and here to help, so please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 864-756-4204 today.